Q&A: Collections in Health Sciences - Anatomy
The so-called anatomical museum at the Faculty of Health Sciences houses more than 500 body parts, which are used for teaching purposes. In our series on collections at the Faculty of Health Sciences, we visit the museum following a suggestion from our mailbox.
People have been talking a bit about the large brain collection at SDU. Is it still hidden away in the basement, or where is it now? And why is it there? Does the Faculty of Health Sciences have any other exciting collections?
Thank you for your question. Did you get a chance to read our response about the Brain Collection?
We’re currently exploring what other fascinating collections exist at the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Body Parts and Specimens
This week, we’re presenting the collection of body parts, known as specimens, displayed in the study halls for Medicine and Clinical Biomechanics students, collectively referred to as The Museum.
Behind this museum is a small, dedicated team from the Department of Molecular Medicine (Winsløw Unit for Anatomy, Histology, and Plastination).Following the move to the new Health Sciences building (Nyt SUND), the exhibition space has been reduced, meaning some specimens are now publicly accessible on the second floor near Forten.
However, a more substantial portion remains behind locked doors, accessible only to Medicine and Clinical Biomechanics students and relevant staff. These include foetuses at various stages of development, genitalia, and heads with potentially recognisable faces. Everything is organised by the module it is used for in the curriculum.
In the public section of the museum, you’ll find items such as brains, feet, and hands, which are used to teach modules on the musculoskeletal system and the brain. Some specimens date back 40 years and have been in use for teaching ever since.
John Chemnitz, Associate Professor of Anatomy, recalls dissecting some of these specimens himself as a medical student. Back then, as now, it was a part-time job for students of medicine.
As he puts it:
-Dissecting a foot properly takes 25-30 hours. It requires patience and isn’t a job for everyone.
The collection comprises around 170 specimens on display in cases and 400 preserved in large jars of alcohol. These are brought out for teaching, allowing students to examine and touch them. The jars also contain a "reserve stock" used exclusively during exams.
Care for Specimens and New Digital Opportunities
Linda Witthøft, a conservator, is responsible for the daily management of the collection. Alongside her colleagues, she oversees the relocation of specimens to new display cases and updates and digitises the teaching materials. Each specimen will be accompanied by a written explanation and illustration, accessible digitally once the project is complete.
Linda also manages the extensive system used to store the so-called wet specimens and whole bodies donated for research and education.
The new building offers significantly improved storage facilities with state-of-the-art systems that simplify the handling of the large metal containers holding the specimens. Everything is electronically controlled, making the process easier and gentler.
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